RU2500611C2 - System and method for product selection and dispensing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: dispensing system I/O device to receive selection versions including selection of one or several diluents or one or several diluent intensity to define relative proportions thereof. Proposed system comprises a dispenser of one or several diluents corresponding, at least partially, to diluent selection version. Note here that one or several diluents feature relative proportion corresponding to one or several diluent intensity selection version. I/O device comprise a diluent version and versions combination display. Said device allows confining of undesirable diluent selection versions.

EFFECT: improved flavoring.

18 cl, 9 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The description of the present invention generally relates to systems and methods for filling products, and more specifically relates to such systems and methods based at least in part on the choice of the user.

State of the art

The product market has a wide variety of pre-packaged drinks. Each drink may have a particular taste or aroma. However, despite the different taste characteristics, many drinks contain common ingredients. For example, a large number of drinks may include water as a diluent.

The presence of common ingredients can advantageously be used in some beverage dispensing systems. The ingredients can be separate from each other, and the system can create a drink by combining the ingredients of the choice of the consumer. For example, US Patent No. 4,753,370, “Tri-Mix Sugar Based Dispensing System,” filed March 11, 1987, describes a beverage dispensing system that can produce a variety of beverages by combining various diluents and flavors with one universal sweetener.

Such beverage bottling systems are generally not used for the production of juices. Since it requires a lot of juice concentrate to produce a wide variety of juices, such systems usually take up relatively large space. Juice dispensing systems that allow for the production of various types and take up relatively little space are described in US Patent Application No. 11/276549 Juice Dispensing System, filed March 6, 2006; U.S. Patent Application No. 11/777309, Dispenser for Beverages Including Juices, filed July 13, 2007; US Patent Application No. 11/777314, "Clean in Place System for Beverage Dispensers", filed July 13, 2007, and US Patent Application No. 11/777303, "Flow Sensor", filed July 13, 2007.

Although some well-known beverage dispensing systems can profitably utilize common ingredients, many beverage dispensing systems cannot be used to dispense a product according to a user’s recipe. Instead, conventional beverage dispensing systems dispense well-known products on the market that are sold pre-packaged in containers. One of the reasons why beverage dispensing systems generally do not spill products according to the user's recipe is that the user may inadvertently create an undesired recipe product and therefore may not be satisfied with the system. The required filling system for dispensing beverages can allow the user to formulate the product while at the same time restricting the user's freedom to choose a product with some tried and tested frameworks. Such a beverage filling system can ensure that the product being bottled has the desired flavor and stable characteristics.

Disclosure of invention

Variants of the implementation of a filling system for filling a number of products to a consumer are disclosed. The filling system may include an input / output device and a filling device. The input / output device may be adapted to receive from the user an option to select one of the products. The filling device can be adapted for filling diluting components. Diluting components and their proportion may correspond, at least in part, to the user's choice.

The filling device may also be adapted to dispense at least one flavoring component. At least one flavoring component may correspond at least in part to a user’s choice of flavor. At least one flavoring component may include juice concentrates. A filling device can be adapted to create a first juice concentrate from a common juice base and a first concentrated flavoring agent, and a filling device can be adapted to create a second juice concentrate from a universal juice base and a first concentrated flavoring agent and create a second juice concentrate from a universal juice base and a second concentrated flavoring agent. Diluting ingredients may include water, milk or yogurt. Products may include juice, milk with a flavor of juice, a fruit cocktail with a flavor of juice, and yogurt with a flavor of juice.

Options for implementing a casting system are also disclosed. The filling system may include an input / output device and a filling device. The input / output device may be configured to receive options. Choices may include at least one diluent choice and at least one diluent concentration option. The filling device may be adapted to dispense at least one diluting component. At least one diluent component may correspond to at least partially at least one choice of diluents. The proportion of at least one dilution component may correspond at least partially to at least one intensity selection.

The input / output device may include a display that visually displays at least one diluent option and at least one predetermined combination of diluent options. The input / output device may be adapted to limit at least one diluent selection of one of the options for the diluent or one of the predefined combinations of options for the diluent.

An input / output device may include an input mechanism. The input mechanism may be configured to be configured in a continuous range of positions. The input / output device may be configured to receive each of the diluent selection options when the input mechanism is configured to one position in a continuous range of positions. A continuous range of positions may include a first discrete position, a second discrete position, and some portion. The first discrete position may mean the first option in relation to the diluent. The second discrete position may mean the second option in relation to the diluent. The plot may be between the first and second discrete positions. The patch may mean a combination of the first and second options in relation to the diluent. The first and second discrete positions can be separated by a common distance. The input / output device may be further adapted to provide intensity selection options when the input mechanism is set to a specified position in a continuous range of positions. The specified position may be the first distance from the first discrete position and the second distance from the second discrete position. The ratio between the first distance and the total distance can display the relative amount of the first diluent, and the ratio between the second distance and the total distance can display the option to select the relative amount of the second diluent.

The input / output device may include a display that visually shows the user a continuum of options. The continuum can visually illustrate options regarding the diluent and options regarding the intensities of the diluent. The input mechanism may be adapted to implement at least one diluent selection option and any at least one intensity selection option from a continuum of options.

Also described below are options for implementing the method. The method may provide the user with some options. Options may include options for diluent and options for diluent intensity. The method may also include the user making choices. Choices may include at least one diluent selection option and at least one diluent intensity selection option. The method may also further include determining at least one dilution component. Diluting components may be determined at least in part based on diluent selection options. The method may also include determining the relative amounts of diluent components. These relative amounts can be determined at least in part based on the choice of diluent intensities. The method may further include dispensing a product containing these relative amounts of diluent components.

Providing the user with options may include providing at least one predetermined combination of options for the diluent. The method may also further include at least one diluent choice of one of the options for the diluent or one of the predefined combinations of options for the diluent. Obtaining choices from the user may include receiving an indication of the position of the input mechanism. This position may be associated with at least one diluent selection option and at least one diluent intensity selection.

Providing the user with options may include providing the user with a continuum of options. The continuum of options can be represented by a two-dimensional graph, which visually illustrates the options in relation to the diluent according to its relative amount in the product. In such embodiments, a continuum of options may visually illustrate each option with respect to the diluent using the diluent intensity line. The diluent intensity line may have an amplitude representing options with respect to diluent intensity. Also in such embodiments, the endpoint of the continuum may coincide with the starting point of the continuum. Providing the user with a continuum of options may be displayed as a continuum of options on the display. The end point of the continuum can be placed on the display near the starting point of the continuum, so that the options continuum looks endless. Obtaining choices by the user may include receiving an indication of the position in the continuum. The dislocation in the continuum may simultaneously indicate each of at least one diluent selection option and each of the at least one diluent intensity selection.

Options may further include at least one flavoring option, and selections may further include at least one flavoring option. The product may contain at least one flavoring component. Flavoring components may be at least partially determined by flavor choices. In such embodiments, flavoring components may include juice concentrates, and diluting components may include water, milk, and yogurt.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following graphic materials, the assigned numerical symbols are given in accordance with the corresponding symbols in the description. The components in the graphic materials are not necessarily shown to scale.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system for selecting and dispensing products.

FIG. 2 is a diagram listing examples of products that can be formed by combining at least one flavoring component and at least one diluting component based on water or milk.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a casting system for filling products illustrating a system integrated in a housing.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user interface that presents predetermined options to a user.

FIG.5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a user interface.

FIG.6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a user interface.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user interface representing a continuum of options to a user.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user interface representing a closed continuum of options to a user.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for selecting and filling products.

The implementation of the invention

The following describes the implementation of systems and methods for the selection and bottling of products. These systems and methods can be used to dispense a product comprising a flavoring component and at least one dilution component, at least some of which are appropriate for a user's selection. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system 100 for selecting and dispensing products. The system 100 as a whole includes an input / output device 102, a processor unit 104, and a casting device 106. The device 102 may be adapted to provide the user 108 with options and receive 108 choices from the user 108. The processor unit 104 may instruct or control the filling device 106 based at least in part on the choices of the user 108. The filling device 106 may be adapted to dispense the product 110 in accordance with the choices of the user 108.

More specifically, the device 102 may be adapted to provide the user 108 with a number of options 112 regarding the flavor and receive from the user 108 at least one flavor choice 114. Examples of options 112 include, but are not limited to, apple, orange, grape, cranberry, pineapple, grapefruit and guava. Option 114 of the selection of options 112 may be an apple. In some cases, the user 108 may select several options 114. In such cases, the device 102 may provide the user 108 with options 116 regarding the intensity of the aroma and may receive from the user 108 the options 118 regarding the choice of the aroma intensity. User 108 may select options 118 from options 116. Options 118 may reflect the relative proportions of various flavors in the flavor of product 110. For example, user 108 may select options 114 for apple and cranberry and select options 118 for 40% apple and 60% cranberry . In other cases, the device 102 may not provide the user 108 with options 116. For example, options 116 may not be provided if the user 108 is allowed to select at most one flavoring agent at the same time. As an example, options 116 may not be provided if the system 100 is configured to determine the relative proportions of selected flavoring agents in the product 110. In fact, the device 102 may not necessarily be configured to provide options 112 or obtain options 114, in which case products 110, spills by the filling device 106 will not necessarily correspond to the preferences of the user 108 regarding flavoring agents.

The device 102 may also be adapted to provide the user 108 with a number of options 120 with respect to the diluent and obtain from the user 108 at least one choice 122 regarding the diluent. For example, options 120 may be provided to user 108, including options for a water-based and milk-based diluent. Examples of options 120 for a water-based diluent include still water, soda water and ice, and options for a milk-based diluent include natural milk, soy milk, and yogurt. Another example of options 120 may indicate product 110 without explicitly specifying the diluent components or ingredients of product 110 intended for use in the filling device 120. Examples of such options 120 may include juice, milk juice, milk, fruit shake and yogurt, as described in additional Details below. The user 108 from options 120 may select at least one option 122. For example, a user 108 who is provided with the above options 120 may select option 122 with respect to water. In some cases, the user 108 may select several options 122. In such cases, the device 102 may provide options 124 with respect to the diluent intensity and may receive from the user 108 choices 126 regarding the intensity of the diluents. User 108 may select options 126 from options 124. Option 122 may reflect the relative amount of this option 122, for example, as compared to other options 122. User 108 may choose option 122 for water and milk, in which case user 108 may make a choice Option 126 for 40% water and 60% milk. It should be noted that the above options 112, 120 are given as an example and you can use any other options.

In some cases, the device 102 may be further configured to provide the user 108 with at least one other option 128 and receive from the user 108 at least one other choice 130. Examples of other options 128 and other options 130 may be indicative of the format of the product 110 and the additives intended for introduction into the product 110. For example, the user 108 may be provided with, among other things, another option 128 regarding the addition of additional vitamin C or calcium to the product 110. Another example may be a bottling option, which may indicate that user 108 has completed the formulation of product 110.

The processor unit 104 may be adapted to issue the dispenser 106 with instructions for dispensing the product 110 at least in part based on user choices 108. The processor unit 104 may include an input / output device interface 132, a processor 134, a memory 136, and a filling device interface 138 . The interface 132 may be arranged so that it provides the processor 134 and / or memory 136 with user choices 108. Logic 140 may be stored in memory 136 and configured to be executed by processor 134. Logic block 140 may be configured to define casting instructions 142 based at least in part on user choices 108, as described below. Instructions 142 may include the type and number of constituent components of the product 110. The interface 138 may be configured to give instructions 142 to the filling device 106 or controlling the filling device 106 in accordance with instructions 142, depending on the implementation.

The filling device 106 may be configured to produce product 110 according to instructions 142. More specifically, the filling device 106 may be configured to produce product 110 by combinations of at least one flavoring component 144 and at least one diluting component 146. Varieties and amounts of flavoring components 144 and dilution components 146 may be indicated in instructions 142. In some cases, the filling device 106 may also be configured to ochetaniya at least one additional component 148, in this case, the instructions 142 may further contain instructions on the kind and amount of the component 148.

Flavoring components 144 used by the filling device 106 may correspond to options 112 provided to the user 108 by the device 102. In embodiments of the invention, the components 144 may comprise juice concentrates. For example, flavoring components 144 may include, among others, apple juice concentrate, grape juice concentrate, cranberry juice concentrate, pineapple juice concentrate, grapefruit juice concentrate and guava juice concentrate. In some embodiments of the invention, the filling device 106 may form a juice concentrate from one or more constituent ingredients, as is further described in detail below. Other flavoring components 144 are possible, such as, among others, chocolate flavored components. The dilution components 146 may correspond to options 120 provided to the user 108 by the device 102. For example, the dilution components 146 may include still water, sparkling water, ice, natural milk, soy milk, and yogurt, among others. However, other diluent components 146 may be used. In some embodiments, the filling device 106 may form diluent components from one or more constituent ingredients, as is further described in detail below. Also in some cases, the dilution components 146 may not necessarily be apparent from the options 120 provided by the device 102. For example, the juice option 120 may correspond to the dilution component 146 with respect to water, and the option 120 with respect to the fruit cocktail may correspond to the dilution components 146 with respect to water, milk and yogurt, as further detailed below. In some cases, the filling device 106 may be adapted to combine at least one additional component 148 with flavoring components 144 and dilution components. Components 148 may include, among others, vitamins or natural flavorings.

After combining components 144, components 146, and in some cases components 148, the filling device 106 may spill the product 110. The product 110 may be any type of product, depending on the options provided by the device 102 and the choices entered by the user 108.

FIG. 2 is a table listing examples of products 110 that can be formed by combining at least one flavoring component 144 and at least one water or milk based component 146. Specifically, the product 110 may be, inter alia, individual juice 202, juice combination 204, juice composition 206, carbonated juice 208, juice flavor milk 210, juice flavor yogurt 214, juice flavor ice cocktail 216 and fruit juice cocktail 218 s aroma of juice. Additionally, product 110 may be a combination of any of these products from any number of varieties of these products. In embodiments, the product 110 may be an incremental combination of two of these products, as described below in the discussion of FIG. 7.

Juice 202 can be formed from juice concentrate 230 and water 220. Combination 204 can be formed from juice concentrates 230 and water 220. Juice composition 206 can be formed from juice concentrate 230, water 220 and other natural flavorings 238. Carbonated juice 208 can be formed from juice concentrate 230 and sparkling water 220. Milk 210 can be formed from juice concentrate 230, water 220 and milk 226. Milk 226 with a special aroma can be formed from water 220, milk 226 and flavoring component and 144 other than juice concentrate 230, such as a component with a chocolate flavor. Juice yogurt 228 can be formed from juice concentrate 230 and yogurt 228. Ice fruit cocktail 216 can be formed from juice concentrate 230, water 220, milk 226, and ice 224. Yogurt fruit cocktail 218 can be formed from juice concentrate 230, water 220 milk 226 and yogurt 228. Supplements 148, such as vitamins 236 and natural flavors 238, may be administered as shown in FIG. 2 or by any other means depending on the embodiment of the invention. Also, juice concentrate 230 may be a combination of various juice concentrates. Additionally, products 110 listed in FIG. 2 may include components other than those listed in FIG. 2, or may not include components listed in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a system 100 for selecting and dispensing products 110, illustrating a system 100 in a housing 302. An outer portion 304 and an inner portion 306 (shown by a dashed line) are included in the housing 302. As shown, the device 102 may be a user interface 308 located on the outside 304 of the housing 302. The user interface 308 may include a display 310 and a number of input mechanisms 312. The display 310 may be any physical or electronic display configured to visually present options to the user 108. An example of a physical display may be a physical poster mounted on the housing 302, and a monitor may be an example of an electronic display. Mechanism 312 can be any device capable of accepting user choices 108. Examples of mechanisms 312 include, but are not limited to, scales 314, sliding contacts 316, switches 318, and buttons 320. Some mechanisms 312 may be physically actuated by user 108, while others mechanisms 312 may be virtual devices adapted for virtual control on a touch screen. Below with reference to FIGS. 4-8, examples of user interfaces are described. Depending on the embodiment, other types of user interfaces 308 or other devices 102 may additionally be used.

The user interface 308 may be operatively associated with a processor unit 104, which, as shown, may be located within the 306 of the housing 302. In turn, the processor unit 104 may be operatively associated with a filling device 106. The filling device 106 may at least partially be located in the inside parts 306 of the housing 302. More specifically, the filling device 106 may include flavoring components 144, diluting components 146, and additional components 148.

For the sake of simplicity, flavoring components 144 and diluting components 146 are described as discrete components. In some cases, these components 144, 146 may be located separately inside the filling device 106, and in other cases, at least one of this component 144, 146 may be created by the filling device 106. For example, the filling device 106 may be configured to create a diluting component 146 in in relation to sparkling water by saturation with gas of still water, using a saturator. As another example, the filling device 106 may be adapted to create component 146 with respect to natural or soy milk from a source of still water and concentrated natural or soy milk.

If the flavoring components 144 are juice concentrates, the dispenser 106 can be adapted to create various flavoring juice concentrates from one universal juice base 342. The universal juice base 342 can be a juice concentrate with a relatively low level of flavoring agents. For example, the versatile juice base 342 may be a white grape juice concentrate or pear juice concentrate, each of which has a relatively typical or unidentifiable flavor. Universal juice base 342 may also be a juice concentrate with a flavoring essence extracted from it, such as concentrated apple juice, from which apple essence has been extracted. Universal juice base 342 can be formed by mixing universal juice concentrate with water. In order to form a juice concentrate with a specific aroma, a relatively large amount of universal juice base 342 can be mixed with a relatively small amount of a highly concentrated flavoring agent 344, such as a flavoring agent, among others, orange, apple, grape, cranberry, pineapple or guava. For example, every 8 ounces (236.6 ml) of the juice concentrate created by the filling device 106 may contain about 7.9 ounces (233 ml) of the 342 universal juice base and about 0.1 ounces (2.96 ml) of a highly concentrated flavoring Agent 344. 7.9 ounces (233 ml) of universal juice base 342 may include a 5: 1 mixture of water and universal juice concentrate.

Such a dispenser 106 can take up relatively little space since it does not have to store each flavored juice concentrate involved in the dispenser 106. Alternatively, the dispenser 106 can store some flavored juice concentrates 340 and can create other flavored juice concentrates from a universal juice base 342. The size of the filling device 106 may be at least partially determined by whether the flavored juices are stored concentrate, such as juice concentrate 340, or is separately formed from the universal juice base 342, the size of space in which to place the tundish 106, and the expected need for the flavored juice concentrate in comparison with other flavored juice concentrated and the desired flavored juice concentrate. Some flavored juice concentrates can be used relatively frequently in the filling device 106, and therefore, separate storage of these flavored juice concentrates may not have a significant effect on the size of the filling device 106. For example, concentrated apple juice can be stored separately in the filling device 106, and the concentrate guava juice can be formed in the filling device 106, since concentrated apple juice can be used relatively more often than juice guava concentrate. As another example, the concentrated orange juice may be stored separately in the filling device 106, since the concentrated orange juice formed from the universal juice base 342 may have a flavor that is noticeably different from that expected by the user 108. In view of the above reasoning, configurations will be the subject of consideration by a specialist in this field.

The filling device may be configured to produce product 110 in accordance with bottling instructions. Returning to FIG. 1, the logic unit 140 may be configured to identify instructions 142 at least in part based on user choices 108. Instructions 142 may indicate the type and number of flavoring components 144, dilution components 146, and additional components 148 introduced into the product. 110. For example, in response to the choice of option 114, the logical unit 140 may include a separate juice concentrate 340 in instruction 142, and in response to the choice of another option 114, the logical unit 140 may include a universal juice base 342 and at least one flavoring agent 344 in instruction 142. In some embodiments, instructions 142 may directly correspond to the choices of user 108. Alternatively, logic block 140 may determine that, based on the choice of user 108, additional components, fewer components, or their other relationships. For example, the logical unit 140 may determine that the product 110 configured by the user 108 can improve, the use of an additional component 148. Therefore, the logical unit 140 may include an additional component 148 in the instruction 142. Alternatively, the logical unit 140 may limit or prevent some combinations, since such combinations may result in product 110, among others, with an undesirable taste, color or smell. In such cases, the logic unit 140 may generate alternative instructions 142 based on user selections 108.

The logic block 140 may be configured to determine the volume of each component in instructions 142, so that the volumes of the components to be poured comprise the total volume of the final product 110. More specifically, the logic block 140 may be configured to vary the volume of the flavor component 144 depending on the characteristics of the flavor component 144 or selected product size 110. Some flavoring components 144 may be relatively more intense, and therefore logic block 140 may be configured It is designed to guarantee the filling of relatively smaller volumes of such flavoring components 144. However, other configurations are possible. The logic unit 140 may also be configured to determine the volume of the dilution component or dilution components 146. The logic block 140 may designate the remaining volume of the product 110 to at least one dilution component 146 in accordance with options 124 regarding the choice of diluent intensity. Options 124 may indicate a relationship between one or more dilution components 146. Logic block 140 may use options 124 based on the volume of flavoring component (s) 144 and the volume of product 110 to determine the volume of each of one or more dilution components 146.

For example, a choice of 122 for water and a choice of 124 for 100% may indicate that water occupies 100% of the diluent volume of product 110. Therefore, if the total volume of product 110 is 12 ounces (354.9 ml) and the volume of flavoring component 144 is 4 ounces (118.3 ml), logic block 140 can determine that the volume of water will be 8 ounces (236.6 ml). In this case, the proportion of water relative to other components 146 may be 100%, and the proportion of other dilution components 146 may be 0%. As another example, options 124 for 10% water and 90% milk may mean that product 110 contains one part water for every nine parts milk. Therefore, the total volume of product 110 is 12 ounces (354.9 ml) and the volume of flavor component (s) 142 is 2 ounces (59.1 ml), and logic block 140 can determine that one ounce volume of water is needed (29.6 ml) ) and a milk volume of nine ounces (266.2 ml). However, one skilled in the art will understand that, in accordance with this discussion, logic 140 having other configurations can be applied.

In accordance with bottling instructions 142, the filling device 106 may produce the product 110. The filling device 106 may include a mixing nozzle 322 in connection with the fluids of flavoring components 144, diluting components 146, and additive components 148. The mixing nozzle 322 may be adapted to combine components when manufacturing the product 110. The mixing nozzle 322 may also be configured to deliver the product 110 to the outside 304 of the filling device 106 so that the user 108 can extract the product 110.

Turning now to user interface 308, user interface 308 may include input mechanisms 312 associated with options so as to provide user 108 with a desired degree of freedom in formulating product 110. Some options may be discrete options 324, providing discrete choices. An example of discrete options 324, among others, includes options 112 and options 120. Each option 112 can provide one discrete flavor and each option 120 can provide one discrete diluent. Other options are incremental options 326, which vary step by step in a continuous range. Examples of incremental options 326 are options 116 and options 124 with respect to diluent intensity, which may provide a spectrum of potential fractions in product 110.

The input mechanism 312 may be a binary mechanism 328, a graduated mechanism 330, a step-by-step mechanism 332, or a combination of 334 input mechanisms, as described below. Binary mechanism 328 can be configured between two discrete positions. In some cases, the binary mechanism 328 may be associated with any discrete option 324. In such cases, the binary mechanism 328 may be used to select or deselect one discrete option 324 independently of the other discrete options 324. One binary mechanism 328 may be a button 320. Button 320, you can press to select or deselect the discrete option 324 associated with the button 320. Another binary mechanism 328 may be a switch 318. The switch 318 can be switched to select or deselect Op discrete option 324 associated with the switch 318. For example, each option 128 may be independently selected by switching the switches 318 in FIG.3. In some cases, the user interface 308 may allow the user 108 to connect a number of binary mechanisms 328, so that the user 108 could enter a combination of discrete options 324 into the product 110. For example, a number of options 120 were selected, as shown in FIG. 3, by clicking on the corresponding buttons 320. In other cases, the user interface 308 may limit the number or combination of connected binary mechanisms 312. Such a restriction may control the number or combination of options that could be entered in product 110.

The graduated mechanism 330 may be configured in a number of discrete positions 336. In some cases, the graduated mechanism 330 may be associated with a number of discrete options 324, with each discrete option 324 associated with one of the discrete positions 336. In such cases, the graduated mechanism 330 may be configured in a number of discrete positions 336 so as to select any of the discrete options 324. One graduated mechanism 330 may be a scale 314. A scale 314 may correspond to a number of discrete options 324 located near the scale 314 next to a discrete 336. The user 108 can select no more than one of the discrete options 324 by rotating the scale 314 to one suitable discrete position 336. Another graduated mechanism 330 may be a sliding contact 316. The sliding contact 316 may have a number of discrete options 324 located at several discrete positions 336 along the sliding contact 316. The user 108 can select no more than one of the discrete options 324 by setting the sliding contact 316 to a suitable discrete position 336. The graduated mechanism 330 may limit indicate the number or combination of discrete options 324 that the user 108 can select, since the user 108 can adjust the graduated mechanism 330 at a time to no more than one discrete position 336. An example is shown in FIG. 3. Several options 112 are associated with a scale 314, and user 108 may select one option 112 by turning the scale 314 to the corresponding discrete position 336.

The step-by-step mechanism 332 can be continuously adjusted in a continuous range 338. Continuous range 338 can correspond to a continuous set of incremental options 326. A minimum of continuous range 338 can correspond to a minimum step option 326, and a maximum of continuous range 338 can correspond to a maximum step option 326. Between a minimum and with a maximum of a continuous range of 338, the incremental option 326 can gradually increase from minimum to maximum, each incremental option 326 differs by increment from the next adjoining step-by-step option 326. An example of a step-by-step mechanism 332 is a scale 314 or a sliding contact 316. Incremental options 326 can be indicated by a continuous range 338 located near the scale 314 or along the sliding contact 316. The user 108 can select the incremental option 326 in the continuous range 338, adjusting the scale 314 or the sliding contact 316 to one of the positions.

In some implementations, several step-by-step mechanisms 332 may be interconnected so that tuning with one step-by-step mechanism 332 automatically sets up another step-by-step mechanism 332 associated with it, More specifically, if the user 108 increases the intensity of one of the step-by-step mechanisms 332, a reduction may automatically occur by the associated step-by-step mechanism 332. An example is shown in FIG. 3. Each option 120 is associated with a sliding contact 316. A sliding contact 316 indicates a continuous range of 338 options 124 with respect to diluent intensity. The user 108 can adjust the sliding contact 316 to select a proportion of diluent in the product 110. A minimum continuous range of 338 indicates the minimum proportion of diluent in the product 110, and a maximum of continuous range 338 indicates the maximum proportion of diluent in the product 110. In order to bring the relative proportions of all selected thinners up to 100%, sliding contacts 316 can be operatively connected to each other. The user 108 may configure one or more of the sliding contacts 316, and the response may automatically configure one or more of the connected sliding contacts 316. For example, the user interface 308 may configure other related sliding contacts 316 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. So, when the user 108 configures the sliding contact 316 associated with milk, the user interface 308 can automatically configure the sliding contacts 316 associated with water and yogurt, so that the proportion of all selected diluents is brought to 100%.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user interface 308 with predefined combinations 402 of options for user 108. Predefined combination 402 may offer specific groups of options and may allow user 108 to instantly select any option from the group. In some cases, a predetermined combination 402 may be associated with a discrete position 336 of the graded mechanism 330, such that advancing the graded mechanism 330 to a discrete position 336 simultaneously selects each option in a predefined combination 402. Alternatively, a predefined combination 402 of options may be associated with a binary mechanism 328. so turning on the binary mechanism 328 instantly selects each option in a predetermined combination 402. Thus, the user interface is 308 m Jette 108 to allow the user to combine certain groups of options and at the same time prevent the use of user groups 108 other options.

For example, the scale 314 in FIG. 4 corresponds to one option 120 or a predetermined combination of options 120 at each discrete position 336 of the scale 314. Thus, the user 108 can, choosing options with respect to the diluent, turn the scale 314 to the corresponding discrete position 336. Such predetermined combinations of 402 options give the user 108 some freedom, while preventing the user 108 from making unwanted choices. For example, the user 108 may be able to combine milk and yogurt, since such a combination can form the desired product 110, comparable to a fruit cocktail. However, an attempt to simultaneously select water and yogurt by the user 108 can be prevented, since such a combination could result in liquid yogurt with inappropriate taste and appearance. An attempt by the user 108 to simultaneously select carbonated water and milk can also be prevented because undesirable foaming could occur as a result of such a combination.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of yet another implementation of user interface 308. User interface 308 provides options 120 that could enable user 108 to anticipate product 110 to be delivered by filling device 108. More specifically, options 120 can identify product 110 intended to be prepared from selected diluents and a flavoring component 144, i.e., a juice concentrate. Each option 120 may identify a single diluent or a predetermined combination 402, although option 120 does not necessarily directly identify the user 108 diluent or diluents. For example, options 120 associated with discrete positions 336 on sliding contact 316 of FIG. 5 are juice, milk juice, fruit smoothie, and yogurt. The selection of option 120 "juice" may be equivalent to the selection of option 120 "water", since the filling device 106 is configured to obtain juice from water and juice concentrate. The selection of option 120 “juice supplemented with milk” may be equivalent to the selection of options 120 “water” and “milk”, since the filling device 106 is configured to produce “juice supplemented with milk” from water, milk and juice concentrate. The selection of option 120 "juice supplemented with milk may be equivalent to the selection of option 120" milk ", since the filling device 106 is configured to produce" juice supplemented with milk "from milk and juice concentrate. The selection of option 120 “fruit shake” is equivalent to the selection of options 120 “milk” and “yogurt”, since the filling device 106 is configured to produce a fruit shake from milk, yogurt and juice concentrate.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of yet another implementation of user interface 308. User interface 308 includes a combined mechanism 334. The combined mechanism 334 may include features of both graduated and step-by-step input mechanisms. More specifically, a number of discrete options 324 may be associated with a combination mechanism 334 with a number of discrete positions 336 along with a continuous range of positions 338. The combination mechanism 334 may be configured to select one discrete option 324 at one discrete position 336. Additionally, a portion 602 between two adjacent discrete positions reference numerals 336 may correspond to a predetermined combination 402 of two adjacent discrete options 324. Combination mechanism 334 may be configured to portion 602 to simultaneously select both their discrete options 324 in a predetermined combination of 402.

One example of a combined input mechanism is the scale 314 shown in FIG. 6. Scale 314 can be set to one of four discrete positions 336 to select one of four options 112: orange, pineapple, apple, and cranberry. Scale 314 can also be adjusted to one of the sections 602 between two adjacent discrete positions 336 to select one of four predefined combinations of 402 options 112: “orange” and “pineapple”, “orange” and “cranberry”, “apple” and “ pineapple "or" apple "and" cranberry ". Another example of a combined input mechanism is a sliding contact 316, as shown in FIG.6. Sliding contact 316 can be set to three discrete positions 336 to select one of three options 120: water, milk, and yogurt. Additionally, the sliding contact 316 can be set to a portion 602 between any two adjacent discrete positions 336 to select one of two predetermined combinations 402 of options 120: “water” and “milk” or “milk” and “yogurt”.

In some embodiments, the combined input mechanism 334 may also be configured to select incremental options 326. Such a combined mechanism 334 may allow at least one discrete option 334, such as a flavor or diluent to be supplied to the product 110, to be selected at the same time as the corresponding incremental options. options 326, such as intensity options that indicate the relative proportions of selected flavorings and diluents in product 110. In FIG. 6, for example, to select options 112, scale 314 has been applied. Therefore, scale 314 can also be configured to select 118 from a continuous range of 338 options 116. Similarly, sliding contact 316 can be adapted to select options 120. Therefore, sliding contact 316 can also be adapted to select options 126 from continuous a range of 338 options 124 regarding diluent intensity. One discrete position 336 may correspond to a maximum discrete option 324, and the next discrete position 336 may correspond to a minimum discrete option 324. The portion 602 between two discrete positions 336 may correspond to a continuous range of 338 intensity options, gradually decreasing from maximum intensity to minimum intensity.

Examples are shown in FIG.6. Scale 314 includes four discrete positions 336 and four sections 602. Each discrete position 336 corresponds to one option 112, and each section 602 corresponds to a predetermined combination 402 of two adjacent options 112. Each section 602 may also correspond to options 116 of two adjacent flavorings. Options 116 may be inversely related, so as option 116 increases, another option 116 inevitably decreases. At any point in area 602, two options 116 correspond to 100% of the flavoring components 144 of product 110. For example, user 108 may designate options 114 as apple and pineapple by adjusting scale 314 to position 337 between two discrete positions 336 associated with options 112 apple "and" pineapple ". The user 108 can also select option 118, for example, 50% apple, adjusting the scale 314 to position 337 so that when measured from the discrete position 336 associated with option 112 apple, the distance was about 50% between the two discrete positions 336 User 108 can also select option 118, for example, 50% pineapple, adjusting the scale 314 to position 337 so that when measured from the discrete position 336 associated with option 112 pineapple, the distance was about 50% between the two discrete positions 336.

Similarly, slip contact 316 spans three discrete positions 336 and two sections 602. Each discrete position 336 corresponds to one option 120, and each section 602 corresponds to a predetermined combination 402 of two adjacent options 120. Each section 602 may also indicate options 124 with respect to diluent intensity adjacent diluents. In this way, the user 108 can configure the sliding contact 316 to register options 122 and the options 126. For example, the user 108 can designate the options 122 in relation to water and milk by adjusting the sliding contact 316 to position 337 between the discrete positions 336 associated with the options 120 “water” and “milk”. Sliding contact 316 can be set to position 337, which when measured from discrete position 336 associated with water, is about 25% of the distance between discrete positions 336. This position 337 may indicate option 126 with respect to 25% water. Position 337 may also be about 75% of the distance between the discrete positions 336 when measured from the discrete position 336 associated with milk. Thus, this position 337 may indicate the intensity of the choice of diluent 75% milk.

It should be noted that the above embodiments of the user interface 308 are described for the sake of example, and any combination of the above embodiments is possible. Additionally, it should be emphasized that the above mechanisms 312 can be implemented using a touch screen, in this case, the mechanism 312 can be virtual. By limiting some user options 108 or predefined combinations of options, the user interface 308 may provide the user 108 with some freedom to formulate the product 108, while avoiding undesirable choices of the user 108. Such a user interface 103 may enable the user 108 to compose pre-packaged 110 products, widely sought after in the market, while having the desired taste and stable characteristics.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user interface 308 providing the user 108 with an options continuum 702. The continuum 702 may be a two-dimensional graph visually reflecting the user 108 options 120 and options 124 in relation to the intensity of the diluent. Such a continuum 702 can help the user 108 anticipate the product 110 scheduled for filling by the filling device 106. Additionally, such a continuum 702 can limit certain options or predetermined combinations of options to the consumer, providing the user 108 with the choice of the product 108 with the desired taste and stable characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 7, the continuum 702 may include a horizontal axis 704 and a vertical axis 706. The horizontal axis 704 may reflect options 120. More specifically, each discrete position 336 on the horizontal axis 704 may indicate one option 120, and a portion 602 between two adjacent discrete reference numerals 336 may mean a predetermined combination 402 of two adjacent options 120. Additionally, each option 120 may be associated with a diluent intensity line 708. Line 708 can extend from the discrete position 336 associated with option 120 to the next adjacent discrete position 336. Line 708 can contain a vertical amplitude that can visually represent options 124 with respect to diluent intensity from options 120 with respect to diluent. In an illustrative embodiment, each line 708 may linearly decrease from a vertical maximum at a discrete position 336 to a vertical minimum at the next adjacent discrete position 336. Similarly, a line 708 of the next adjacent diluent may linearly increase from a vertical minimum at a discrete position 336 to a vertical maximum at the next adjacent discrete 336. In other words, the portion 602 between two discrete positions 336 may contain two diluent intensity lines 708, so how plot 602 corresponds to the combination of two dilution components 146. Together, two lines 708 can visually show how two dilution components 146 are connected to produce product 110. Lines 708 can be inversely related and can intersect or form the letter X, visually indicating that the relative amount of one the dilution component 146 decreases as the relative amount of the other dilution component 146 increases. Thus, at any point on the horizontal axis 704 of the dilution fraction yayuschih components 146 100% up to 110 product. However, the continuum of options 702 may have other configurations. For example, among others, the continuum 702 may correspond to a pie chart.

The continuum 702 can be visually presented to the user 108 in association with the combined mechanism 334. The combined mechanism 334 can be configured to select one position 337 on the horizontal axis 704. The choice of one position 337 on the horizontal axis 704 can simultaneously determine the choice of each of options 120 and options 124 regarding the intensity of each diluent. More specifically, the selection of the discrete position 336 on the horizontal axis 704 may result in the selection of the corresponding one option 120, and the selection of position 337 in the portion 602 may result in the selection of the appropriate combination of the two options 120. Additionally, the selection of one position 337 on the horizontal axis 704 may also determine the corresponding options 124. The relative distance of position 337 from discrete position 336 may indicate the relative amount of component 146 introduced into product 110 associated with discrete position 336. Thus, by selecting well, a point on the horizontal axis 704, user 108 can simultaneously select one or more of the dilution components 146 and can identify the relative amounts of dilution components 146 in the product composition 110.

It should be noted that the continuum 702 can be visually represented on the user interface 308, which also allows the user to select at least one option 112, as described above. In such embodiments, the continuum 702 may also visually provide the user 108 with a line 710 with respect to flavor intensity. Line 710 in relation to flavor intensity may represent the relative amount of flavoring components 144 in product 110. As shown, line 710 may be a non-resonant line, although other variations of line 710 are possible. Additionally, line 710 may be omitted in continuum 702, in which case the indication aroma may not necessarily be visually presented to the user 108 on the continuum 702.

7, the discrete positions 336 on the horizontal axis 704 correspond to the following options for diluent 120: “water”, “milk” and “yogurt”. Sections 602 correspond to two different predetermined combinations 402 of diluent 120 options: “milk and water” and “milk and yogurt”. The continuum 702 may also display to the user 108 other options 120, as described above. For example, options 120 provided to user 108 may include juice, milk juice, and yogurt. Section 602 on the horizontal axis 704 between the discrete positions associated with the juice and milk juice can be identified as the section corresponding to the juice supplemented with milk, and the portion 602 on the horizontal axis 704 between the discrete positions associated with the milk juice and yogurt can be identified by the corresponding fruit smoothie. Thus, by selecting one position 337 on the horizontal axis 704 of the continuum 702, the user 108 can select a product 110 including dilution components 146 that contains 100% water, any combination of water and milk, 100% milk, any combination of milk and yogurt or 100% yogurt. If such diluent components 146 are mixed with flavoring components 144, which are juice concentrates, the continuum 702 can be a variety of products 110, ranging from undiluted juice at one end of the continuum 702 to viscous yogurt at the other end of the continuum 702. Along the continuum 702, products 110 can be stepped range from juice to juice supplemented with milk, milk juice, fruit smoothies and ultimately undiluted yogurt. Each position 337 on the horizontal axis 704 of the continuum 702 may correspond to a stepwise different product 110 with stepwise different properties. For example, product 110 may be one of the products shown in FIG. 2, or any stepwise combination of the two products. By linking the continuum 702 to the combined mechanism 334, the user 108 can choose among an indefinite number of products 110 by selecting a single position 337 on the horizontal axis 704 of the continuum 702.

It should be noted that in illustrative embodiments, the combined mechanism 334 is a sliding contact 316, although other configurations are possible. For example, a scale 314 may be used. A scale 314 may be articulated with a separate visual indicator showing the position 337 on the horizontal axis 704, such that the rotation of the scale 314 adjusts the position of the visual indicator along the horizontal axis 704. In some embodiments, the user 108 may have the ability select additional characteristics from at least some of the options presented on the continuum 702. Examples are shown in FIG.7. The user 108 may be able to determine the option 120 "milk" from: natural milk or soy milk. User 108 may also be able to determine option 120 "yogurt" from: non-fat yogurt or fat yogurt. User interface 308 may include mechanisms 312 configured to accept user preferences 108 regarding such characteristics. For example, FIG. 7 shows a series of switches 718 for this purpose, although other reception methods are possible. It should be noted that the continuum 702 may represent options other than options 120 and options 124. Additionally, the intensity lines of diluent 708 between adjacent discrete positions 336 may increase or decrease nonlinearly. In addition, the horizontal axis 704 and the vertical axis 706 may have different orientations.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user interface 308 representing a closed continuum of options 802. Closed continuum 802 may have an endpoint 804, which is at the same time the starting point 806 of the continuum 802. The endpoint 804 and the starting point 806 can be located with adjoining, forming a loop. The closed continuum 802 can be seamlessly repeated until the full length of the closed continuum 802. The closed continuum 802 can be adapted for visual display on a monitor or touch screen, so that the user 108 can continuously scroll for viewing along the horizontal axis 704 of the closed continuum 802, not reaching the end of the closed continuum 802.

Like continuum 702, closed continuum 802 may include diluent intensity lines 708. For example, a closed continuum 802 can be formed by placing a continuum 702 near the mirror image of the continuum 702. In this embodiment, the continuum 702 may include two positions 337 corresponding to the same product 110. Alternatively, one or more of the options 120 and diluent intensity lines 124 may vary to match another diluent. For example, the closed continuum 802 shown in FIG. 8 separately includes a diluent intensity line 724 for natural milk and soy milk. Other configuration options are also possible.

Thus, the user 108 can receive the product 110, made in accordance with his preferences. For example, product 110 may be equivalent to a well-known product on the market or, in embodiments, a step-by-step combination of known products on the market. However, the configuration of the user interface 308 can prevent the user 108 from choosing product options 110 with undesirable properties. Additionally, the user interface 308 can provide the user 108 with relatively intuitive options, so that the user 108 can enter a relatively large number of choices with a relatively smaller number of interactions with the user interface 308.

One skilled in the art will understand that the above description also covers a method 900 for selecting and filling products. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 900. At block 902, a number of options may be provided to a user. Options may include a number of options regarding diluent and a number of options regarding diluent intensity. In some embodiments, the user may be presented with one or more of the predefined combinations of options for the diluent. For example, a user may be provided with a continuum of options. A continuum of options can be displayed in a two-dimensional graph that visually illustrates the options for the diluent according to the relative amount of product. A continuum of options can visually illustrate each option with respect to the diluent with a diluent intensity line. The diluent intensity line may have an amplitude reflecting options with respect to diluent intensity. The end point of the continuum may coincide with the starting point of the continuum. The continuum can be reflected on the display, and the endpoint of the continuum can be placed on the display near the starting point of the continuum, so the options continuum looks endless. Other configurations are possible.

At block 904, a number of choices may be received from the user. Choices may include at least one diluent choice. In some embodiments, diluent options may be limited to either one of the diluent options or at least one predetermined combination of diluent options. In some implementations, the user can enter choices by moving the input mechanism to some position. The position may be associated with any of the at least one diluent selection option and any of the at least one diluent intensity selection. In such embodiments, receiving from the user a number of choices may include receiving a signal about the position of the input mechanism. For example, a position may be a position on a continuum. A position on the continuum may simultaneously signal any of at least one diluent selection option and any of at least one diluent intensity selection.

At block 906, at least one dilution component can be determined. Diluent components can be determined based on diluent choices, at least in part. At 908, the relative amounts of diluent components may be determined at least in part based on the choice of diluent intensity.

At a block 910, the product may be bottled. The product may contain relative amounts of diluent components. In some embodiments, the options presented in block 902 may further include at least one flavor option, and the choices obtained in block 904 may further include at least one flavor choice. In such embodiments, the product dispensed in block 908 may further include at least one flavoring component. In such embodiments, the method may further include determining flavoring components at least in part based on flavor choices. Also in such embodiments, flavoring components may include juice concentrates, and the diluting components comprise water, milk, and yogurt.

Claims (18)

1. The filling system, including:
an input / output device configured to obtain options including selecting one or more diluents and selecting one or more intensities of diluent or diluents indicating the relative proportions of the selected diluent or selected diluents, and
a filling device configured to dispense one or more dilution components corresponding at least in part to the choice of one or more diluents, wherein one or more dilution components has (have) a relative proportion corresponding to one or more options for choosing a diluent intensity (diluent intensities) wherein the input / output device comprises a display that visually displays one or more options in relation to the diluent and one or more of predetermined combinations of options for the diluent, and is configured to limit the selection of one or more diluents of one of the options for the diluent or one of the predefined combinations of options for the diluent. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the filling device is further configured to dispense one or more flavoring components that correspond at least in part to one or more flavor choices by the user. 3. The system according to claim 2, in which one or more flavoring components contain juice concentrates, and the filling device is configured to create a first juice concentrate from a universal juice base and a first concentrated flavoring agent and create a second juice concentrate from a universal juice base and a second concentrated flavoring agent. 4. The system according to claim 1, in which the diluting components contain at least one of the following: water, milk and yogurt, and the filling device is configured to dispense products containing at least one of the following: juice, milk with the aroma of juice, fruit cocktail with aroma of juice and yogurt with aroma of juice. 5. The system according to claim 1, in which the input / output device includes an input mechanism configured to adjust in a continuous range of positions, and is configured to receive each of the diluent choices when tuning the input mechanism to one position in a continuous range of positions. 6. The system according to claim 5, in which the continuous range of positions includes a first discrete position that displays the first option in relation to the diluent; a second discrete position displaying a second option with respect to the diluent; and a section between the first and second discrete positions showing a combination of the first and second options in relation to the diluent. 7. The system according to claim 6, in which the first and second discrete positions are separated by a common distance, and the input / output device is additionally configured to obtain options for selecting the diluent intensity when the input mechanism is configured to position in a continuous range of positions, and the specified position is the first distance from the first discrete position and the second distance from the second discrete position, the ratio between the first distance and the total distance displays the option a first diluent, and the ratio between the second distance and the total distance display option selection of the relative amount of the second diluent. 8. The system according to claim 1, in which the display of the input / output device provides a visual display of a continuum of options to the user, visually illustrating options for the diluent and options for the intensity of the diluent, and the system further comprises an input mechanism configured to select one variant of the diluent or any of the diluent options and any of at least one option to select the intensity or intensities from the continuum of options. 9. The method of preparation of the product, including:
providing the user with options including options for the diluent and options for the intensity of the diluent, wherein the options for the intensity of the diluent indicate the relative proportions of the options for the diluent, providing the user with options includes providing the user with one or more predetermined combinations of options for the diluent;
limiting the choice of one or more diluents of one of the options for the diluent or one of the predefined combinations of options for the diluent;
receiving from the user options, including the selection of one or more diluents and one or more intensities of the diluent, the options for choosing the intensities of the diluent indicate the relative proportions of the selected diluents;
determining at least one diluent component at least partially based on the choice of diluent;
determining the relative proportions of diluent components at least in part based on the choice of diluent intensities and
bottling a product containing dilution components in selected relative proportions. 10. The method according to claim 9, in which receiving from the user choices includes identifying the position of the input mechanism associated with a single or with each choice of diluent and with a single or with each choice of intensity of the diluent. 11. The method according to claim 9, in which providing the user with options includes providing the user with a continuum of options, including a two-coordinate graph, visually illustrating options for the diluent according to its relative amount in the product. 12. The method according to claim 11, in which the continuum of options visually illustrates each option in relation to the diluent using the intensity line of the diluent having an amplitude representing options in relation to the intensity of the diluent. 13. The method according to claim 11, in which the endpoint of the continuum coincides with the starting point of the continuum, and providing the user with a continuum of options includes displaying the continuum of options on the display, the endpoint of the continuum being placed on the display near the starting point of the continuum, so that the continuum of options looks endless. 14. The method according to claim 11, in which receiving from the user choices includes receiving an indication of the position in the continuum, the position in the continuum simultaneously indicating the only or each of the options for choosing a diluent and the only or each of the options for choosing the intensity of the diluent. 15. The method according to claim 9, in which the options further include one or more options in relation to aroma, the choices further include one or more choices of aroma, and the product further comprises one or more flavoring components, which (are) specified at least partially flavor choices. 16. The method according to clause 15, in which the flavoring components contain juice concentrates, and the diluting components contain water, milk and yogurt. 17. A filling system for filling a product, including:
an input / output device configured to obtain a product selection;
a filling device configured to dispense dilution components, wherein the dilution components and their proportions correspond at least in part to the product selection, the input / output device comprising a display that visually displays one or more options regarding the dilution components and one or more of a predetermined combinations of options in relation to diluent components, and is configured to limit the choice of one or more diluents to either one option in relation to diluent, or Noah of the predetermined combinations of options with respect to the diluent. 18. The filling system, including:
an input / output device configured to obtain one or more choices indicating diluents and the intensity of each of the diluents, and a filling device configured to dispense diluent components corresponding to the diluents indicated in one or more options, with relative amounts of dilution components corresponding to the intensities of each of the diluents indicated by one or more selections, the input / output device comprising a display, visually displaying one or more options with respect to diluents and one or more specific combinations of options with respect to a diluent, and is configured to limit one or more options to one option with respect to a diluent or one of a predetermined combination of options with respect to a diluent.

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